Origins of Phrases,English Idioms and Expressions

"J" through "M"

Origins of phrases and idioms are not always known. We have included
those that we know. If you know of more, please let us know. Below on this page you see a partial listing of English idioms and expressions and American phrases beginning with letters "J" through "M".

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An average, ordinary person.
A lower class or lower middle class person.
A blue-collar worker who does not pay much attention to politics and is
often undecided until the last few weeks before an election.

Also:
Average Joe. Average Jane.
Ordinary Joe. Ordinary Jane.

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Jogging someone’s memory

Trying to make someone remember something.

Q. I can’t find the bankruptcy files you wanted. Where do you think they are?
A. Try jogging my secretary’s memory. She might remember something.

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John Hancock

Signature.

Please put your John Hancock here!

Note:
In Canada, John Henry is used (in place of John Hancock) for the same purpose.

Background:
This is so, apparently, because of John Hancock’s unique signature which
is famous because he signed his name very largely and prominently on
the Declaration of Independence. He said that this was to allow the
British to read his name without their glasses. (Signing the Declaration
was an act of treason, punishable by death, and Hancock’s emphatic
signature was a statement of courage, telling everyone that the
colonists were ready to stand up for their independence.)

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Joined at the hip
Origin: Medical

Not so different.
Never leaving each other’s side.
Exactly the same or very similar.
Doing everything or going everywhere together.

The two politicians are practically joined at the hip. They are seen together morning, noon, and night.

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Judgment call
Origin: Legal

A decision based on one’s experience or based on what the facts
appear to be in that moment. It is usually a decision that needs to be
made immediately.

Q. Why didn’t you wait for the test results before you operated on her?
A. It was a judgment call. I didn’t think there was enough time.

Also see: Using one’s judgment.

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Jumping bail
Legal

Running away after being bailed out of jail and before the trial.

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Jumping off a sinking ship

Saving oneself.
Knowing something bad is coming and trying to avoid the situation before it gets worse.

Q. Why did he leave the company to work somewhere else?
A. Well, I can’t blame him for jumping off a sinking ship. He has a family to support.

Compare to: Jumping ship.

Side note:
Rats desert a sinking ship, implies that deserting a sinking ship (or a
troubled company) is not an honorable thing to do. You should try to
stay and help the situation.

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Jumping on something

Doing something right away.
Getting started on something quickly before an opportunity is missed.

Q. Do you want to think about the trip some more?
A. No! Jump on it before they sell all the tickets or raise the prices!

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Jumping on the bandwagon

Being opportunistic.
Joining a popular movement without necessarily believing in it.

He’s not really interested in saving energy. He has simply jumped
on the “green” bandwagon (because that’s the cool thing to do these
days).

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Jumping out (at)

If something jumps out at you, you’d notice it right away.

When someone says: Is anything jumping out at you, they mean something like:
Can you think of a reason?
Do you know what’s going on?
Do you notice anything unusual?
Can you see anything wrong or different?

Q. Detective, the man you’re holding has only one ear. Is it true that he’s the One-Eared Burglar?
A. Sorry, we won’t jump the gun on his identity before conducting a full investigation.

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Jury is still out.
Origin: Legal

We don’t know yet.
It hasn’t been decided yet.
A decision hasn’t been made yet.

When someone says: The jury’s still out on the trip, they mean something like:
We still haven’t decided if we’ll go on the trip.

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Just like that
(Usually said while snapping the fingers:)

Quickly.
Very fast.

My wife is very strong. She could break your neck just like that!

Q. Did it take them long to change your tire?
A. No, they did it just like that!

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Just the same

See: All the same.

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Keep in mind!
Bear in mind!

Remember.

Also:
Keep it in the back of your mind!

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Keep it up!

Be good.
Continue.
Keep the spirit up.
You’re doing a good job.

Related:
Keep up the good work.

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Keep your shirt on!

Wait.
Don’t rush.
Wait for a while.
Don’t get too excited just yet.

Also:
Hold it.
Hold on.
Hold your horses.
Keep your pants on.

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Keeping a low profile

Not attracting attention.
Trying not to be noticed.

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Keeping an eye on

Watching someone or something carefully.
I’m not sure about this guy. Keep an eye on him for a while, until we know more.

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Keeping in line
Origin: Military

Staying in one’s place.
Keeping someone (or something) under control.

When someone says: I want you to keep the kids in line, they
mean: I want you to keep the kids under control, and make them behave.

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Keeping it on the down-low

Keeping something a secret.

Q. When are you getting your promotion?
A. It’s not a sure thing yet. Let’s keep it on the down-low for now.

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Keeping one on one’s toes

Staying alert.
Keeping one busy.
Being ready to respond.

I don’t have time to go anywhere. The kids are constantly keeping me on my toes.

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Keeping one’s eyes open

Being careful, watchful, observant, etc.

There’s some broken glass on the floor. Keep your eyes open while I’m vacuuming the floor.

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Keeping one’s feet on the ground
Keeping both feet on the ground

Having a solid foundation.
Being sensible and reasonable.
Not forgetting one’s humble beginnings.
Not losing one’s balance while reaching for higher goals.

Q. Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. Who said that?
A. Who else? Casey Kasem!

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Keeping one’s head above water

Surviving.
Trying to stay in business.
Trying not to fail in difficult times.
Saving, or trying to save, oneself.
Saving, or trying to save, one’s business.

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Keeping one’s head down

Not attracting attention.
Trying not to be noticed.

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Keeping one’s head in the game
Origin: Sports

Staying focused.
Paying attention to what one is doing, or needs to be doing.

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Keeping one’s head up

Being or feeling proud.
Continue to stand tall, even if you’ve just experienced a disappointment.

Keep your head up, son. We’re all proud of you!

Also:
Keep your chin up!

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Keeping one’s nose to the grindstone

Working extremely hard.
Not taking any breaks from work.

A. We’re going to the movies. Do you want to come with us?
B. Here I am, busy, with my nose to the grindstone, and you’re going to the movies?!

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Keeping pace
Origin: Military

Not being too far behind.
Staying close, as in a race.

When someone says: The world’s oil supply is not keeping pace
with demand, they mean something like: Not enough oil is being produced
to meet the demand.

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Keeping someone company

Staying with them.

Please keep him (his) company. He’s been very lonely since his dog left him for his neighbor!

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Keeping tabs on
Keeping an eye on

Watching someone or something carefully.

Q. Do you really trust our new security guard?
A. No. As a matter of fact, I’ve started keeping tabs on him!

Related:
Keeping close tabs.

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Kept man
Kept woman
Kept person

A person whose expenses are paid by someone else in return for
companionship and often in return for sexual favors. This is not looked
upon favorably and is considered a form of prostitution, if sex is
involved.

Compare to:
Sugar daddy.
Sugar mommy.

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Kick in the pants

Inspiration.
Encouragement.

The coach knows his team needs a kick in the pants, he just doesn’t know how to inspire them.

Tommy is an undisciplined, rebellious brat. He needs a good, swift kick in the pants to help him to straighten out.

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Kick in the teeth

Bad news.
A humiliating thing.
Humiliating bad news.
Something bad happening, especially if it’s on top of another bad thing.

I knew my wife wanted to leave me, but taking the kids, too? Boy, that was a kick in the teeth!

Compare to:
Adding insult to injury.

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Kick the bucket

To die.

Before I kick the bucket, I like to see the world.

Compare to:
Bucket list.

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Kick the habit

To quit an addiction.
To stop doing something that’s difficult to stop doing.

Isn’t it time you kicked the habit and stopped smoking, you moron?

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Kicked up one side and down the other

Attacked, hit, bothered, called upon, etc., from all sides.

Also:
Bashed up one side and down the other.

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Kicking the tires

Testing.
Making sure.

Q. What’s taking you so long to read it? It’s a simple contract.
A. I’m kicking the tires. I want to make sure that everything is okay before I sign it.

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Kicking to the curb

Firing (from a job).
Ending (a relationship).

First my boss threw a party for me, then he kicked me to the curb.

I had a messy fight with my girlfriend. I’ll be kicking her to the curb one of these days soon.

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Kicking up one’s heels

Enjoying oneself.
Having a good time.

No more work for me tomorrow. I’m going to kick up my heels and watch football all day!

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Killing time

Wasting time.
Waiting around.

This killing time is killing me!

Also see:
Whiling away the time.

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Killing two birds with one stone

Doing two things at the same time.
Solving two problems using the same solution.

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Kissing something good-bye

Accepting the loss of something, as in:
When someone says: If you left your wallet at the casino you can kiss it
good-bye, they mean something like: Forget about it because you won’t
see it anymore!

Not doing something anymore, as in:
When someone says: I’ve kissed college good-bye, they mean something like: I won’t be going to college anymore.

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Kitchen table issues

Everyday family issues.
Issues families talk about at home.

A. We need to address the tensions in the Middle East.
B. Maybe so, but we have kitchen table issues that we need to worry about, too!

When someone says: He knows where the bodies are buried, they mean something like:
He knows how they operate;
He knows everything about them; etc.

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Knowing which way the wind blows

Anticipating and using opportunities.
Being smart about using opportunities.
Knowing what lies ahead, and using it to one’s advantage.

Keep an eye on Monica because she’s going places. Somehow she always seems to know which way the wind will be blowing.

Background:
The origin most likely has to do with sailing and the corresponding benefits of knowing the direction of the wind.

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Kumbaya

This word means "come by here" and is used to refer to human and spiritual unity.

Well, it looks like the kumbaya days are over!

Background:
Kumbaya is an old spiritual song that has its roots in African American
culture. It became popular in the 1960s and is often sung in gatherings
of spiritual and nature loving groups.

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Lack thereof

Lack of.

When someone says: It’s all about money or the lack thereof, they mean something like:
It’s all about money or the lack of money.
It’s all about having money, or not having money.

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Lacking teeth

Being ineffective.
Not being forceful.

The new government lacks teeth mainly because it isn’t even considered to be legitimate.

Compare to:
Having teeth.

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Landing a job

Getting a job.

Q. Have you found a job yet?
A. Yeah, I landed one last week.

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Landing on one’s feet

The ability to survive a difficult situation satisfactorily.

A. Alicia is in trouble again. I wonder what she’ll do!
B. Oh, don’t worry about her. Somehow she always manages to land on her feet.

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Last but not least

The last one, but not the least important one.
The last reason, but not the least important reason.

And last, but not least, I want to thank my parents, without whose support I wouldn’t be standing here today.

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Last chicken in the shop
Last chicken in the window
Last chicken on the shelf

A very unattractive person.
The most unattractive person in a group.

Q. Why are you going out with him? He’s the last chicken in the shop!
A. I know, but it’s the best I can do!

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Last straw
Final straw

The final, very small problem that causes a failure, or an angry
outburst, or a chaotic situation, after a series of other smaller
problems have happened.

Q. Did Michelle leave her husband just because he got drunk?
A. She had wanted to leave him for some time. His getting drunk was the last straw!

Background:
This is the shortened version of: The straw that broke the camel’s back.
It refers to an old proverb about a camel that was overloaded with
straw. When the load was just at the last level that the camel could
handle, the addition of a single straw broke its back. It shows how,
when you’re at the breaking point, the slightest problem would have a
catastrophic effect.

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Last word

The end of something.
Saying the last words in an argument.

When someone says: We haven’t heard the last word on immigration, they mean something like:
It’s not finished yet.
We haven’t seen the end of it.
There will be more discussions.

Compare to:
Having the last word.

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Late!
Later!

Bye!
See you later!

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Late someone

A polite way of referring to a person who is not living.

“Sitting on the dock of the bay” was performed by the late, great Otis Redding.

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Latter, former

When someone says: Jenny and Diana are both beautiful, but I prefer the latter to the former, they mean:
Diana is more beautiful than Jenny!

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Laughed out of a location

When someone says: You’ll be laughed out of the county, they mean something like:
They’ll laugh at you.
That’s a bad idea you have.
You won’t be taken seriously.

Can be used with other subjects (I, she, he, etc.,) and other places (city, company, etc.)

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Laughing all the way to the bank

If someone’s laughing all the way to the bank, it could mean one of the following:
They’re getting paid too much.
They got a very good deal, maybe even unexpectedly.

Examples:
You didn’t want to do a “boring” job, so now HE is laughing all the way to the bank instead!

We didn’t think our idea would work, but now we’re laughing all the way to the bank on a daily basis because of its success!

On the one hand, secrecy:
This could be about keeping separate matters independent of each other
(as in conducting a secret mission) to the extent that one department
doesn’t know what another department is doing.

On the other hand, confusion:
It could represent a state of confusion or lack of communication (for
example, within an organization), where no one knows what’s going on,
leading to inefficient management.

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Left to one’s own devices

Left alone.
Left alone to take care of oneself.

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Lending oneself to something

Being available, appropriate, supportive, etc., for something.

When someone says: Our ballroom lends itself to holding lectures, they mean something like:
You can give lectures in our ballroom, or
Our ballroom is suitable for use as a lecture hall.

When someone says: He lends himself to our cause, they mean something like:
He supports our cause.

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Less than something

Less than honest, means: Not honest, very dishonest.

Similar usage:
Less than happy.
Less than agreeable.
Less than memorable.

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Let alone

When someone says: He can’t swim, let alone dive, they mean something like:
If he can’t swim, then obviously he can’t dive.
He can’t swim. How do you expect him to dive?

Also see:
Much less.

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Let bygones be bygones.

Move on.
Forget about it.
Forgive and forget.
Forget about the bad things that happened between you guys.

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Let it all hang out.

Talk about it.
Be totally honest, and don’t hold anything back.
Say all that is on your mind, and don’t miss anything.

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Let it ride.

Wait, don’t do anything.
Let the situation continue.
Let’s let it ride for a while, and see what happens.

Also:
Let’s ride it out.
Let it ride for now.
Let it blow over, or wait until it blows over.

I know I may be taking a big risk, but I’m going to buy that car and let the chips fall where they may.

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Liar, liar, pants on fire!

You’re lying.
(Used mainly by children when they think someone’s lying to them.)

Also:
When someone says: On the dance floor, he moved like his pants were on fire, they mean: He’s a really good dancer.

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Licking one’s wounds

Comforting oneself.
Taking a break after a defeat.

A. I know you’re embarrassed, but you should really come back to our meetings.
B. I will. I’m just taking a couple of weeks off to lick my wounds.

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Light at the end of the tunnel

Sign of hope.

When someone says: I see the light at the end of the tunnel, they
mean something like: I am optimistic, or I have a feeling that things
will be getting better soon.

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Lighten up!

Smile!
Take it easy.
Don’t be so serious.
Don’t take things so seriously.

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Light-year

A very long time.

When someone says: The electric car technology is light-years away, they mean:
That technology won’t be available for a very long time.

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Like a fish out of water

Being in unfamiliar or uncomfortable surroundings.

When someone says: He’s like a fish out of water, they mean something like:
He can’t function.
He doesn’t know what to do.
He feels really uncomfortable in the situation.

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Like trying to sweep sand off the beach

It’s no use.
It’s a waste of time and effort.

Also:
Like bringing a cup of water to a forest fire.

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Lion’s share

Major share.
Largest part of something.

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Lip service

Just words.

Q. The city people keep saying that they’ll fix the roads. Why isn’t it happening?
A. They’re not going to do anything. They’re just giving us lip service.

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Lip-lock
Locking lips

Kiss.
Kissing.

The last time I saw them, they were lip locked.

Julie and Ben were locking lips behind the water cooler. They don’t know that I saw them!

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Lipstick on a pig

Superficial or cosmetic improvement.

When someone says: It’s like putting lipstick on a pig, they mean something like:
If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig;
Changing the appearance won’t change the facts, or what’s on the inside.

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Litmus test

A test to show the validity of an idea or a person.

The debate today will be the litmus test we’ve been waiting for.
We’ll finally know something about our new candidate’s strengths and
weaknesses.

When someone says: I walked in, and lo and behold, she was there, they mean: I walked in, and to my surprise, she was there!

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Loaded question

A question that:
Could lead to other questions.
Doesn’t have a yes-or-no answer.
Can get you in trouble when you answer it.

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Lock, stock, and barrel

All.
All of it.
The whole package (needed for the job).

A. I bought the pizzeria on the corner.
B. The equipment, too? What about the delivery cars?
A. I bought the whole thing, lock, stock, and barrel.

Also:
The whole shebang.

Compare to:
Whole nine yards.

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LOL

This is an abbreviation for:
Laughing Out Loud.

It is used by the younger, Internet and texting generation.

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Long and short of something

A summary.
The main parts.

Well, here’s the long and short of it. What you do with It, is up to you.

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Long face

Sad looks.
Unhappy face.
Serious looking.

Q. Why the long face?
A. I lost a lot of money in the stock market today.

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Long running
Long-running

Being around for a long time.

Q. What are your favorite long-running TV shows?
A. “Cheers!” and “Seinfeld!” They had long runs on television.

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Long term, Short term
Long-term, Short-term

Long term:
These are plans, policies, expenses, etc., for the distant future, such
as building more schools to provide education for more children.

Short term:
These are plans for the near future, such as purchasing more school buses.

Also see:
In the long run.
In the short run.

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Long time coming

Expected for a long time.

Well, we’re finally going to have some new health care policies, changes that were a long-time coming.

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Long time in the making

In progress for a long time.

The conflict in the region has been a long time in the making. It didn’t just happen, you know!

Also:
Many years in the making.

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Long-windedness

Talking too much.
Using more words than really necessary.

Q. Are you coming to the lecture?
A. No! I know the professor, and I know he’s long-winded. You go, and tell me about it!

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Looking inward

Examining one’s thoughts and beliefs.

I’ve been looking inward, wanting to know what I really want to do, or who I really am.

Also:
Soul-searching.

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Looking over one’s shoulder

Not feeling safe or secure.
Having worries about being followed, identified, attacked, etc.

A. She knows her ex-husband is in prison, but she’s still worried.
B. I know. She’s constantly looking over her shoulder!

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Looking the other way

When you say: He’s looking the other way, you could mean any of the following:
He can’t see us.
He doesn’t want to talk to us.
He doesn’t want to get involved.
He’s helping us by pretending that he doesn’t see us. That way we can do
whatever we want to do, and he won’t get in trouble for helping us.

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Looking up to someone

Admiring someone.
Being proud of someone.

I look up to my father. I’m so proud of him.

Opposite:
Looking down on someone.

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Loose cannon

Out of control.
An irresponsible and reckless (therefore potentially dangerous) person.

I like him and I really wish I could nominate him for the job but, let’s face it, he’s a loose cannon!

Background:
The term refers to the days when cannons on battle ships could break
loose on rough seas, and would then roll about and cause serious damage.

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Loose ends
Origin: Legal

Unfinished business.
Unanswered questions.
Potentially harmful evidence left behind.
Something that, if not taken care of now, may harm you in the future.

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Loosey-goosey

Very relaxed.
Having no plans, just having fun.
A person with few, or no, inhibitions.

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Lose-lose (situation)

A situation where everybody loses.

Compare to:
Win-win and win-lose.

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Losing one’s footing

Losing one’s balance.
I’m sorry I touched your wife’s arm, sir. I lost my footing and had to grab something!

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Losing one’s shirt

Losing everything, especially money.

I lost my shirt (or the shirt off my back) when my landscaping business failed. It was bad!

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Loud and clear

Getting the idea.
Understanding clearly.

When someone says: I can hear you, loud and clear, they mean something like:
I understand.
I know exactly what you mean.
You don’t have to explain anything.

When you say: She told me, loud and clear, not to bother her, you mean something like:
I understood clearly that she didn’t want me around.

Also:
I read you, loud and clear!

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Lovey-dovey

An overly done show of affection between people.
Very romantic public displays of affection without regard for others noticing.

I don’t really care for movies that have a lot of lovey-dovey scenes.

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Low-balling

Underestimating the value of something on purpose, usually in order to purchase it at a lower price than it is worth.

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Low-down

Wrong, bad, as in:
The way he treated her, he was a low-down, rotten person.

Details, as in:
I want to know all the details. Give me the low-down on the situation.

Q. It’s almost noon. Do you want to have lunch?
A. Yeah, we might as well!

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Milking the situation

Taking advantage of a situation by trying to extend the process.
Trying to get as much from a situation as you possibly can.
He always milks these lucrative government contracts for as much as he can.

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Mincing words

Holding back.
Not saying things clearly.

Opposite:
Not mincing words is: Not holding back, saying exactly what you think or feel about something.

They didn’t mince words in describing their true feelings.

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Mind your Ps and Qs.

Don’t be nosy.
Don’t be sarcastic.
Mind your manners.
Don’t be a smart ass.
Mind your own business.
Be careful about what you’re saying or doing.

Background:
This may have its roots in the early days of printing. As it was easy to
mistake the letters “p” and “q” on a typeset, printers were routinely
warned to be mindful of these two letters. It may also have to do with
bartenders warning the customers in the old days to be mindful of how
many pints or quarts they were drinking!

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Missing a beat
Medical

Stopping briefly.

In recent months, when I suddenly hear a loud noise, my heart misses a beat!
Despite all of the noise in the background, he continued the lecture after missing a beat.

Also:
Skipping a beat.

Compare to:
Without missing a beat.

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Missing link

Something that needs explaining.

There’s a missing link here. Something that we cannot see or cannot explain.

Also:
Referring to the origins of man, as it relates to a stupid person, calling someone dumb, like a caveman!

Also:
Something missing without which something else will be incomplete.

We have a missing link here without which these theories do not make any sense.

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Missing the boat

Being too late.
Missing an opportunity.

Are you coming to the movies with us? Make a decision fast, or you’re going to miss the boat.

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Monday morning quarterback
Sports

A person who finds fault, and blames others, AFTER everything has already been done.

A. I would have done the whole thing differently and avoided the present mess.
B. Yeah, it’s easy to be a Monday morning quarterback!

Background:
Most (American) football games are held on Sundays. This leads to a lot
of Monday-morning conversations among football enthusiasts at their work
place, during which everybody comments on how the games should have
been played. Hence the term Monday morning quarterback. (In American
football, the captain of the team is called the quarterback.)

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Money burning a hole in one’s pocket

The urge to spend one’s money.

If you say: This money is burning a hole in my pocket, you mean I’ve got to spend this money!

Also:
I’ve got a hole in my pocket, means: I’m broke!

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Money is no object.

This is used when the price of something is not an issue.

Please arrange to have a piano in there for Farimah to practice on. And, remember, money is no object!

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Money talks!

Money buys influence.
Money helps to solve everything.
If you have money, you can do anything.
If you have money, people will listen to you.

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Monkey on one’s back

An addiction.
A constant burden.
A problem that won’t go away.

My house is a monkey on my back now. I can’t afford to keep it, and I can’t sell it either!

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More holes than Swiss cheese

Something with a lot of problems.

When someone says: Your proposal has more holes in it than Swiss
cheese, they mean something like: It’s a bad idea. There are a lot of
things wrong with it.

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More pronounced

More obvious.
More noticeable.

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More than you can shake a stick at

A lot.

When someone says: There are more problems here than you can shake a stick at, they mean something like:
This is a serious situation.
We can’t ignore these problems.
We have a lot of problems on our hands.
We have to take these problems seriously.

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Mother lode

Treasure.
A huge package.
A large supply of something.

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Motor City

This is a nickname for the City of Detroit.

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Move it, or lose it!

This expression-like sentence (which is not a nice thing to say) could mean any of the following:
Move.
Move it.
You’re in the way.
Get out of my way.
Get out of the way, or you’ll get hurt.

Those with influence in their fields.
Those who get things done (movers) and those who benefit from them (shakers).

If you want to have any success in Hollywood, you need to know a few movers and shakers in the movie industry.

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Moving in single digits

Moving very slowly.

The traffic is moving in the single digits.

Also:
You see a lot of brake lights.
The traffic is bumper to bumper.

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Moving mountains

Doing difficult things.

If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. You can move mountains!

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Moving on

Not dwelling in the past.
Continuing with one’s life.

When you say: The earthquake survivors are moving on with their lives, you could mean:
They’re rebuilding their homes.
They’re not just talking or thinking about it anymore.
They’ve put the incident behind them and are looking forward.

Also see:
Picking up the pieces.

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Moving target
Origin: Military

A difficult target to hit.
A difficult situation to figure out.
A changing situation, where finding a solution is difficult.

Compare to:
Sitting duck.

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Much ado about nothing

A lot of talk about nothing.
It’s not as bad as it sounds.

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Much less

When someone says: He can’t swim, much less dive, they mean:
If he can’t swim, then obviously he can’t dive.
He can’t swim. How do you expect him to dive?

Also see:
Let alone.

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Much to one’s chagrin

When someone says: Much to Pierre’s chagrin, Sophia didn’t remember him, they mean something like:
Pierre was upset, saddened, irritated, or humiliated to find out that Sophia didn’t remember him.

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Muddying the waters
Origin: Sports

Making a confusing situation even more so.
Trying to take advantage of a confusing situation.
Making things confusing so that the real problem cannot be identified or addressed.

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Mum’s the word.

Keep quiet; Keep it a secret; as in:
A. I’m going to tell you something, but mum’s the word!
B. I understand, I’ll keep it to myself.

I’ll keep it a secret, as in:
A. I’m going to tell you something, but please keep it to yourself!
B. Okay. Mum’s the word!

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Musical chairs

Depending on how it is used, musical chairs can convey various messages:

Political instability;
Avoiding the issues;
Dancing around the issues; Etc.

I’m tired of playing musical chairs with our school issues. Can’t somebody give us a straight answer?

Background:
This is a game usually played by children. As the music plays, the
players walk around a number of chairs. (There is always one more player
than there are chairs.) When the music stops, players rush to sit on
the chairs and one player is left without a chair. This player is
eliminated, another chair is removed, and the sequence is repeated until
there’s only one player left, who wins the game.

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My bad

My fault.
My mistake.

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My lips are sealed.

I won’t say a word.

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My treat

It’s free.
I’ll pay for it.

I just got a raise today and I want to take all of you to lunch. My treat.